As always, my case is never typical. PET & CT scans show lesions in the two lymph nodes and lungs have shrunk, but the lesion on my L4 vertebrae has grown. Dr. H was perplexed that I have both shrinkage and growth.
Going forward...⚠️TMI Warning ⚠️
(This is cancer, it's not always pretty.)
•••Dr. H wants a break in chemo (possibly all summer) due to the diarrhea side effect being uncontrollable. Seriously, I have had to eat Imodium like candy (40 pills a day +prescription Lomotil...yes, I followed Doctor's orders). It has since improved, but I still take a daily dose of Imodium to maintain control. Additionally Dr. H has prescribed Sandostatin, a shot 3Xs/day that will further control the yucks.
•••Dr. Shrake, my radiologist, has agreed that I can have radiation on the L4 lesion. It's not cceligible for SBRT, so that means I'll have daily radiation for 5-6 weeks. When I say cancer is my job, it's the absolute truth. Currently the pain level is a pretty intense 7/10, literally a pain in the ass that radiates to my left hip, so Dr. H increased my extended release Oxy. The good news is once it's zapped the pain will be gone.
•••Additionally, we will return to Dr. Alese at Emory Winship for a 2nd opinion. He will decide if it's time to look for a trial, or agree with Dr. H who is contemplating possibly going back to Irritotican +Erbitux (no Avastin or 5FU pump) in order to control the diarrhea. If you recall, it's Erbitux that can cause a nasty facial rash.
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Overall good news. The lesions are shrinking, and the one that isn't is about to be zapped with radiation. So even though pain is intense, it will improve over the next few months. I was nervous about taking this pain on an upcoming cruise; after one night on the increased ER oxy dosage, my pain level has dropped from 7 to 2/10. Additionally I'll be getting a massage before the trip, so hopefully the combination helps ease my pain level. Dr. H stocked me up with other meds for breakthrough pain.
Oh, the joys of making sure you can enjoy vacation while having cancer pains.
